After the brutal terrorist attacks in Paris last week left 17 people dead, members of the Lafayette community joined a global movement on Sunday, from Washington DC to Paris, to right here on the steps of city hall with signs and French flags.

Aurelie Charnay, a rally participant, says, “We decided to gather because we thought it would be important for the French and Francophone, Francophone community in Lafayette to be able to honor the people that were killed this week in France.”

Bob Chatelain says, “All of us have our family and friends and it’s a support to stop this massacring they do all over the world. I mean for what?”

Even as the rain begins to fall the crowd continues to walk together. They stopped at a 9/11 memorial downtown to pay their respect then at a synagogue to pay their respects again and each time standing for one moment of silence. They hold signs that say “Je Suis Charlie” which translates to “I am Charlie.”

“Stephen Ortego, a State Representative says, “It’s very important for everyone to stand together united and to come out and say we’re going to stand up for the freedom of speech. We’re going to stand up for the freedom of press and uh and we’re not going to be scared.”